Nationals could remove Rafael Soriano from closer role

The veteran blew his second straight save on Friday night and over his last ten games has posted a 9.00 ERA and a 2.11 WHIP.

Entering the All-Star break Soriano had a 0.67 ERA and had saved 22-of-24 chances. Since then things have gotten rough with manager Matt Williams saying after Friday’s game that the team would address the struggles at the back-end of its bullpen.

“We’re certainly going to have to take a hard look at it,” Williams said. “It’s not an easy decision. None of them are. But we want to be able to close those games out. Sori understands that, he’s been around the block.”

It is a stark change of tune from Williams who said on Thursday that Soriano had a much longer leash.

Fantasy Impact: If Soriano is indeed taken out of the closer’s role the Nationals would turn to Tyler Clippard or Drew Storen.